The smiles and laughter from both children and adults showed that it was mission accomplished for Global School Play Day at Martin Avenue Elementary School on Feb. 5. The North Bellmore School District embraced the annual initiative nearly a decade ago as a reminder that learning can be fun.
Each class at Martin Avenue blocked out time for unstructured play. In many rooms, students played with games and toys they brought from home.
Second grade teacher Mary Carrea said no electronics were allowed as she wanted her students to play the old-fashioned way. She noted the many benefits of playing board games like teaching compromise, fair play and sportsmanship.
Fifth graders in Ashley Vella’s class played bingo and charades before unstructured free play began. All of the desks were pushed to the edge of the room to create a wide-open space for play. Even the back table was transformed into a ping-pong table. In addition to board games, her students could be found drawing and playing with action figures.
“It’s always a fun day,” Ms. Vella said, adding that it’s a good chance for her students to tap into their creativity, bond over common interests and expand their friend groups.
First grade teacher Nicole Huttner had her students rotate through stations with different games that students brought in from home. Rachel Graber’s sixth graders hosted their buddies from Antonietta Fischetti’s second grade class. While the older students usually serve as the leaders, this time it was flipped as it was the second graders who brought in their games and taught others the rules.
“Unstructured play provides students the opportunity to develop their communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci said. “It supports the ongoing efforts of our teachers to build caring and compassionate classrooms.”
Click here to view the Learning Through Play at Martin Avenue slideshow.
Date Added: 2/11/2025